How to File a Claim for a Burn Injury at the Workplace
While many of us have the luxury of working in corporate offices while sitting at a desk, not everyone is able to do that. Many of them take up work in construction sites and factories, where they deal with dangerous heights, chemicals, and high-voltage electrical appliances. While working in such dangerous environments, the workers are highly susceptible to injuries.
A workplace burn injury may not only be one of the most painful experiences but also something that can completely alter one’s life. Whether they are chemical burns or fire-related injuries, they affect the injured individual not only physically but also mentally and financially.
Since these injuries can even result in loss of wages or lack of ability to work, many injured workers suffer silently. Many are not aware that they are eligible for compensation or don’t seek proper help. If you or anyone you know is suffering from a workplace burn injury, getting legal help from an experienced attorney can help you file a burn injury claim.
By understanding the steps to filing a burn injury claim, you can ensure that you take the necessary steps to protect your rights.
Step 1: Reporting the Injury
The first step after an injury or a burn accident at the workplace should be to ensure that the incident has been reported to the employer. It is best to always report it immediately, as delaying it may be used against you to jeopardize your claim.
Ask your employers to provide a detailed report of the incident, which states when, where, and how the accident occurred. Any employer failing to provide this report should be noted down, as it can be helpful in your legal process.
Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment
Sometimes we tend to ignore medical treatment just because the burn seems minor. But it can worsen over time or even lead to infection if not examined properly. Apart from that, your medical reports also help serve as evidence of your injuries caused by the accident at the workplace. Always ensure that you keep all your medical documents safe and attend follow-up evaluations.
Step 3: File a Worker’s Compensation Claim
In most workplaces, the employees are usually covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance helps workers with medical expenses, loss of wages, rehabilitation, and disability. This claim can be filed easily by filing the necessary forms, which will then be submitted to the insurance company by your employer. Ensure that you keep your medical records handy when the insurance providers ask for them.
Denied claims by employers or insurers can be appealed with the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Step 4: Go for Third-Party Claims
Even though workers’ compensation may prevent you from blaming your employer directly, you can still appeal for a third-party claim if the injury was caused by another company’s or another individual’s negligence.
For example, you got a chemical burn because the manufacturer or supplier did not give the required warnings.
Step 5 – Getting Help from an Attorney
Filing a workplace burn injury claim can sometimes be an overwhelming and complex process. Especially in cases where your employer denies the incident or there is not enough proof. In such cases, a workplace injury attorney can help you out by ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
- A workplace burn injury can be caused by chemical burns, heat exposure, and even electrical burns.
- To file a claim, first report the injury to your employer.
- Ensure that you seek immediate medical treatment.
- File a workers’ compensation claim.
- Go for third-party claims if a workers’ compensation claim is not possible.
- Always get help from a burn injury attorney.
